Product Specialist-Topo (Hybrid)

General Summary:

The Product Specialist supports the Product Manager and design team in facilitating the development of each seasonal line and managing the flow of communication between design, sales, and marketing.

Reports to:  Product Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•            Communicate daily with product development and production team overseas regarding development and production process

•            Communicate with sales to accommodate sample needs

•            Owns fit trials, communicating feedback between design and factory teams (shipping samples, gathering feedback, sourcing new wear testers, sizes are aligned with fit test needs)

•            Create and manage product decks for presentations

•            Manage defects, set up systems/processes for record-keeping, and communication directly to the Asia team

•            Create materials libraries, formalize lists of materials in every shoe, detail-oriented, % of recycled material

•            Responsible for sustainability initiatives, REI product impact survey, setting goals around sustainability,

•            Own briefing for tier 2-3 products (research positioning, write up the brief around the product)

•            Trend and market research

•            Coordinate shipping needs, confirmation samples, and assist marketing needs for photo samples (assure samples are correct)

•            Manage and track sample ordering

Required Skills and Competencies:

Required Skills:

•            Proficient in Microsoft Excel

•            Strong follow-up capability and must be an effective communicator, independent learner

•            Must be organized and efficient

•            Travel domestically up to 15-20% of the time (1 week per month minimum)

•            Able to travel internationally

•            Must be able to accept and give constructive feedback, even when feedback is challenging

•            Proactive, self-starter, must build relationships with reps and retailers, be able to challenge one’s own assumptions, separate own views from customer needs/trends

•            Must be local to Framingham, MA/hybrid in-office 3 days per week, or as needed

•            Start timeline is planned for early February

Competencies

SETTING GOALS – Creates and follow effective plans. Anticipates risks, creates contingency plans. Aligns plans with goals. Allocates adequate resources. Accepts and supports change. Willing to take risks and suggests new ideas, approaches. Takes initiative. Seeks out learning activities.

WORKING WITH OTHERS – Clearly articulates own, other’s goals. Promotes a team atmosphere by demonstrating humility and respect. Builds effective relationships, relates well to others. Delivers and responds to feedback in a constructive manner. Considers multiple perspectives. Handles conflict, pressure, uncertainty and adapts independently. Meets commitments. Dedicated to working with business partners on their expectations.

GETTING RESULTS – Personally accountable for work performance targets and achieving results. Prioritizes well. Anticipates and handles obstacles effectively. Makes good, timely decisions. Can simply and process complex problems. Understands underlying issues and addresses root causes. Meets deadlines, works until finished.

Qualifications:

Minimum Experience:

•            1-3 years experience with product coordination

•            Background in run specialty footwear is a must

Preferred Qualifications:

•            Brand experience is preferred

Minimum Education:

•            Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience